When it comes to being successful, it seems superficial to place much value on looks. After all, can beauty really help you make your mark in a meaningful way? Well, Evelyn Lauder proves that when you combine the power of outer and inner beauty, you can change the world!

As daughter-in-law of the late Estée Lauder, who founded the renowned beauty company in 1946, Evelyn has helped build one of the biggest and most important beauty businesses in the world. Now, as senior corporate vice president of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (a $6 billion operation that owns more than two dozen beauty brands, including Clinique and MAC Cosmetics), Evelyn is one of the most powerful women in business.

She is also one of the most influential activists in the country: In 1993, she founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which has raised $120 million to find a cure for breast cancer. You've seen that pink ribbon—it's become the symbol of breast cancer awareness, and it started with Evelyn.

I never thought makeup mattered until two summers ago, when I worked at a MAC Cosmetics counter. As I smoothed foundation on a woman suffering from a skin disease, she felt so much better about herself that she started to cry. It was then that I saw how important beauty can be. I helped a few women, but Evelyn has used makeup to help millions! People may think the beauty business is all fluff, but in fact it holds many important secrets to success. Read on!

Jennifer Wyse: What was the most important thing your mother-in-law, Estee Lauder, told you about success?

Evelyn Lauder:Get it done yesterday. She moved like the wind. If a thank-you letter had to be written, she'd write it that day. If you said you had an idea, she'd be on the phone with somebody to say, "Let's do this." You don't just say "someday"-- someday is today.

JW: When did you realize that breast cancer awareness needed your help?

EL: In the late 1980s, when I discovered there were twice as many women who died of breast cancer as people who died of AIDS. But AIDS activists were extraordinarily successful in getting publicity. I thought they were heroes and that if they could do it, why couldn't we do that for women with breast cancer?

JW: You've also been a huge supporter of a program called Look Good...Feel Better, which gives makeovers to cancer patients. How does that help them?

EL: If a person has a sense of confidence and they know they look good, they look in the mirror and that makes them feel better. If they feel better, it may help them get better. No one yet understands the strength of the mind and what confidence can do to help people heal. You can find out more about the program at lookgoodfeelbetter.org.

JW: What's your secret to doing so much?

EL: You can't do things alone. I love getting involved in training and inspiring the team. I think my enthusiasm has an effect on getting other people enthused.

JW: How can a girl find a cause she can be passionate about?

EL: You are at the age at which you look at what there is and try something. You can see if you like teaching children or helping the elderly. There are so many opportunities. We've had this terrible tsunami and hurricane. If you can't volunteer in New Orleans, do something in your own community. Try things out and see what works. Find a cause that resonates with you.

JW: How does activism lead her to greater power and success?

EL: When you succeed at a small thing you'll have the confidence to try something bigger,--to go on to the next step. [Activism] builds self-confidence.

For more info on how you can join Evelyn's campaign against breast cancer, go to bcrfcure.org